I finally met my host---the director of the program. What a delightful lunch we shared. And what fun laughs we had about the Buddhist philosophy he shared with me: your children represent your creditors from a past life. And your spouse---the enemies. We celebrated that I clearly had such a wonderful past life so as to reward me in the current one. (He insisted I order the Western lunch. I shared that I was eager to try Korean food, but I did not insist; I figured perhaps it was better to wait until we knew each other better.)
After lunch, he took me on a tour of SNU, his alma mater. During the tour, he shared a bit of history: the university used to be in the heart of the old city, but the students made too much noise---demonstrations as much as, if not more so, general college student noise seemed to be the issue. And so, a bit over thirty-five years ago, the university was moved out of town to a location that had previously been a golf course. We noted the developing architectural styles that have changed with each decade.
My move has been delayed until Sunday. Granted, ideally I would settle in sooner. On the other hand, I am still very busy wrapping up the online course I taught this summer….the one that ended at 4pm the day before I flew out at 6am. Um Hm. I was taking a break this summer, remember? But my students from the online course had their final assignment due while I was somewhere over the Pacific, and I assured them I would make comments as soon as I could. I’ll also host a live review session Sunday morning (their Saturday evening), as they have their final exam on Monday.
Even with the work, I finished up in time to head to the café near Hoam to enjoy a Cass draft and delight in watching some children play in the fountain. I know that moving “into the city” tomorrow will bring much change. Thus, I’ll relish this quiet and this green for the afternoon.
I must say that meeting my host allayed many of the worries and fears I had about this adventure. I felt an immediate ease with him. I have a feeling this is going to be a wonderful relationship.
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